Category Archives: Speaking

Rick Archer of Buddha at the Gas Pump invited me to join his panel during the Science and Nonduality (SAND) conference in October of 2017 (event C31). The topic was Sudden or Gradual: Two Paths to Realization. “There is a perennial debate in spiritual traditions regarding whether realization is direct (sudden) or progressive (gradual). But is this a false distinction? Realization is often sudden, no matter how many years of practice may have led up to it, and even after realization, most people find that refinement, clarification, and the working out of personal shortcomings continue indefinitely. Who wouldn’t prefer direct … Continue Reading… →

On Friday, October 20, 2017, I again spoke at the Science and Nonduality conference in San Jose, CA. The talk explains that Nonduality is not a concept or an experience but is lived directly. It is a way of being. This is explained through the nature of consciousness and the 7 stages of enlightenment model from the Ramayana. Once again, professional recording was unavailable, so Rick Archer graciously brought his camera gear, introduced me, and recorded the talk. A headset mic was also not available but sound levels are decent. The talk is about 20 minutes plus about 30 minutes … Continue Reading… →

During the Science and Nonduality pre-conference, Rick Archer organized a large panel discussion at Sophia University. From the left: Laurie Moore, Susanne Marie, Mariana Caplan, Dana Sawyer, Francis Bennett, Craig Holliday (speaking), Kristin Kirk, Rick Archer (moderator), Clare Blanchflower, myself, Chuck Hillig, David Ellzey, Kiran, and Jeffery Martin (host). Canela Michelle Meyers arrived during the afternoon session. She was seated on the left. Most of the group are prior BATGAP interviewees and many where speaking at SAND. The panel was too large and long to do at SAND itself so Jeffery offered us Sophia in nearby Palo Alto. For links … Continue Reading… →

In October, I gave a Stages in Consciousness talk at the Science and Nonduality conference. Here is the talk synopsis. I was introduced by Rick Archer of Buddha at the Gas Pump fame. His talk had preceded mine and, on agreement, ran partly into the break between our talks. This meant people where still transitioning in and out as my talk began. My opening reference to Rick’s style is because he read his large talk to cover the content while mine was unrehearsed. I had a lot to cover so also rolled quickly. There where 8 concurrent tracks at the … Continue Reading… →

The Buddha at the Gas Pump interview is live on Youtube now and will be live on the BATGAP site shortly. If you didn’t see it, here’s a little context for where the interview is taking place. Considering how rarely I speak of some of this, it came out reasonably well – even if I did look at the floor too much. (laughs) www.youtube.com/watch?v=M36–suYFhw Links to related articles on some of the discussed subjects: Each has links to more. How to Listen and the Value of a Story I often mention the value of an effortless meditation. TM.org What is … Continue Reading… →